Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 7
Columbus is joining cities all across the country to recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The initiative – which will feature free HIV testing – works to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment among Blacks in the United States.
At the end of 2006, almost half (46 percent) of the 1.1 million people living with HIV, were Black, even though Blacks make up only 13 percent of the population. That is why it is so critical to encourage individuals to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated.
There are many ways you can take action:
get tested for HIV
practice ways to prevent HIV
decide not to engage in high risk behaviors
talk about HIV prevention with family and friends
support people living with HIV/AIDS
get involved with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day events in your community
More information at www.blackaidsday.org.
Local Events
February 7- HIV Resource Day
Join other local businesses around the community in raising awareness.
For more information or to become an involved, contact:
Wynette Collins, HIV/STD Minority Coordinator, Columbus Public Health
614-645-3958
February 8 - Free HIV Testing
Columbus Urban League
788 Mount Vernon Ave., Columbus OH
10am - 2pm
Free and open to the public
February 11 - Free HIV Testing
Columbus State Community College
Nestor Hall, 550 W. Spring Street, Columbus OH
10am to 4pm
Free and open to the public
Ongoing HIV Testing Sites
Columbus Public Health - Sexual Health Clinic, 240 Parsons Ave., Columbus (check site for hours)
Columbus AIDS Task Force - 1751 E. Long Street, Columbus (check site for hours)
The Tobias Project - 844 E. Main Street, Suite A, Columbus
Mondays and Wednesdays, 3 pm - 7 pm
Union County Health Dept. - 940 London Ave., Marysville
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4 pm
A National Issue, A Local Issue
United States -- At the end of 2006, almost half (46 percent) of the 1.1 million people living with HIV, were Black, even though Blacks make up only 13 percent of the population. Additionally in 2007, HIV was the fourth leading cause of death for Black men and the third leading cause of death for Black women, ages 25-44. (www.blackaidsday.org)
Franklin County, Ohio -- For 2005-2007, among all Franklin County residents living with HIV/AIDS, non-Hispanic Blacks make up 45% of new cases and 37% of all cases (new and previously diagnosed). While females represent only 20% of new cases, 80% of these were non-Hispanic Black females. (Ohio Department of Health)